Data and AI are unlocking powerful tools to fight the climate crisis—helping organisations use energy smarter, grow food more sustainably, and cut emissions. But, with rising environmental costs and risks of deepening inequality, responsible innovation is essential. Read on to explore how these technologies are being harnessed for real, lasting impact. From record-breaking droughts to […]
Community & Events
Mapping the Future: The Role of Geospatial Data in Scotland’s Tech Ecosystem
Geospatial data is becoming an invisible yet vital part of our daily lives, shaping how we navigate cities, manage properties, and tackle everything from climate change to urban planning. At its core, geospatial data is information connected to a place, whether tracking how many people move through a city, mapping whether flooding might happen, or […]
Forefront of AI innovations explored at DataFest
The Data Lab’s annual conference discussed how data and AI will transform business and society as a whole. 500 delegates at Scotland’s leading data and AI event, DataFest, heard yesterday how data and AI have the power to unlock a brighter future and tackle global challenges such as climate change – but only if it’s […]
Full programme announced for DataFest25
Scotland’s premier data and AI conference, DataFest 2025, is pleased to announce its full events programme, including a pre-conference focused on skills development in the everchanging data and AI landscape. Hosted by Scotland’s Innovation Centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, DataFest will bring together Scotland’s thriving data and AI community at the Assembly […]
Calling Scotland’s AI innovators
An exclusive opportunity for Scottish AI business start-ups and scale-ups to showcase their innovations, connect with key partners, and gain visibility at Scotland’s premier conference on Data and AI. Free exhibitor spaces for startups The Data Lab is offering limited number of free exhibitor spaces at DataFest 2025, Scotland’s flagship data and AI conference. This […]
Striking the Balance: Navigating the Ethics and Regulation of AI Innovation
AI is evolving fast, and with it comes a growing debate around ethics and regulation. Striking the right balance between responsible oversight and innovation is a challenge – too little regulation risks harm, while too much could slow progress. This blog dives into the complexities of AI ethics, the push for regulation, and why responsible […]
Seasons of Change: Reflections by Tricia Govindasamy
We’re delighted to feature Tricia Govindasamy, Senior Information Analyst at Public Health Scotland and an active member of The Data Lab Community. In this blog, Tricia reflects on 2024 – a transformative year as she settled into life in Scotland, completed her master’s degree with distinction, and transitioned to a full-time role at Public Health […]
2024: The Year of Change – Reflections from Heather Thomson
2024 has been a year of change and growth for The Data Lab. In this guest blog, Heather Thomson, our Interim CEO, reflects on a year of personal and professional milestones. From stepping into the role of Interim CEO to celebrating a decade of The Data Lab’s impact, Heather shares her journey of leadership, collaboration, […]
Joyce Dalgleish: Collaboration at the Heart of 2024
At The Data Lab, we’ve been lucky to collaborate with amazing partners like Joyce, the Scottish Government’s Data Innovation and Change Lead. This year, Joyce has been at the heart of some truly inspiring projects – from co-creating a vision for public sector data to working with The Data Lab to shaping events for the […]
A Year of Challenges, Triumphs, and Growth: Reflections from Fash Fasoro
As we close out 2024, we’re pleased to feature this guest blog from Fash, a passionate leader and advocate for a more inclusive and innovative Scotland. In this thoughtful reflection, Fash looks back on a year that has shaped him both personally and professionally. From addressing Scotland’s demographic challenges to empowering international talent and inspiring […]